Happiness needs no proof, it's not glam and doesn't happen online
"You deserve peace, love, happiness and all that your heart desires. Don't let anyone control your life and take away those things".
Social media, for all its glory and pitfalls, has a unique way of sneaking into our daily lives. We log in to follow some valuable people—to learn from them, to find a moment of peace, to laugh, or simply because we are interested. But then, almost without noticing, something else starts to slip in: reality shows.
Even if you’re not a fan of reality TV, you’ve probably seen snippets of it on your feed. Famous people show off their weekend life, flaunting their luxury, and sharing those 'candid' moments. It makes you wonder, "Is he really as good in real life as he sounds online?" This thought creeps in, sowing seeds of doubt and curiosity.
But let’s focus on what really matters. The influencers or celebrities who say, "Yes, I was the best I could be because I didn't know another way. I've made mistakes and you will make them too," are the ones who resonate the most. They remind us that real happiness isn’t about proving anything to anyone. If it were, accounts of gardeners forecasting a flower each day with a cup of coffee would go viral. Yet, they don’t.
Even the best photographers showcasing nature don’t get as popular on social media. On the other hand, do you really dream about living in hotels and chasing after riches? Instead, many of us dream of simpler things—like grabbing a spade and a packet of garden seeds, having a messy garden with a dog or two (or a cat — let’s not be too specific) and home-grown seasonal fruits and vegetables.
And here we go again, with Anna and her "paradise on earth" ideas. You might be thinking, "I need to work, earn money, take care of my business." And you’re right. We all do. But what if, amidst the hustle, we don’t lose sight of the small joys?
Finding balance is key. Yes, work and responsibilities are important. But so is finding time for yourself, for those little moments of joy and tranquillity. Maybe it’s in the garden. Maybe it’s with a cup of coffee and a book. Or maybe, just maybe, it’s turning off social media for longer than “a bit” and living your own reality, away from the screens.
Social media is trying to shape us, but we don’t have to sell our eyeballs and ears cheap. Remember that being famous on Instagram is the same thing as being rich on Monopoly. Follow those who bring value to your life, who remind you of what’s important, and who inspire you to do something valuable. Mistakes are part of the journey, and happiness isn’t something you need to prove to anyone. It’s something you find in your way, in your own time. So, grab that spade, a rucksack or anything else that can bring you joy on your unique journey…
